100 RESIDENTS TOLD TO RIP OUT PORCHES OR FACE COURT

FURIOUS residents are vowing to defy demands for them to tear down additions to their homes.
More than 100 owners and tenants at flats in Bernard Street in Bridgeton have created porches on the common landing outside their homes.Where the landing only provides access to their property, people have installed windows and doors, effectively extending their homes.

According to residents and the local councillor the porches or "decks" provide extra security and keep homes warm in winter.

But Glasgow Housing Association says the structures are a fire hazard which will hold up its £3million investment plan and must be knocked down - or residents could face legal action.

However, more than 100 locals are challenging the order.

Angry residents recently held a protest meeting which was also attended by the police and fire services. GHA representatives were invited but did not attend, claiming they did not receive enough notice.

Pensioners John and Marie Henderson have lived in their home since it was built in 1976.

John, 65, created his deck more than 20 years ago and has since spent hundreds of pounds on new UPVC windows.

The retired whisky bond worker, who bought the house in 1992, said: "Having a second door is an extra layer of security. It also keeps the house warm."

He added: "My deck was here way before GHA arrived on the scene.

"The tone of the letter it sent was threatening and it didn't enter into any consultation. If GHA thinks we're all just going to knock down part of our homes, it has another thing coming."

Strathclyde Police has backed the residents. A force spokeswoman said: "From our point of view these structures provide extra security to homes."

But Glasgow Housing Association insisted the porches or decks must come down and refused to rule out legal action.

A spokeswoman said: "Consultants found a number of unauthorised structures erected in the shared entrances, which will prevent us from carrying out major investment works effectively.

"They advised that the structures erected by some residents are a fire hazard and will reduce any survival chances.

"Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service has also advised GHA that these unauthorised structures may constitute a fire hazard."

She added: "We want to resolve this issue as soon as possible but if there is no agreement we cannot rule out legal action."

Bridgeton and Dalmarnock Councillor George Redmond vowed to stand by the residents.

He said: "The situation is a shambles. The letter sent by GHA is nothing more than a scare tactic. It doesn't have respect for the residents."

A Strathclyde Fire and Rescue spokesman said: "Although the porches may not represent a fire risk, they do represent an additional barrier for firefighters gaining access to flats."

Evening Times 8:58am Monday 15th January 2007